1. DIY ORGANIC GULAL
The day of Holi starts with playing colours. This year go the natural way to have a safe yet fun filled Holi. Bond with family over the weekend by making your own home-made Holi colours that are herbal and naturally scented.
These can be made in various colours. We created three of them using a spice (Turmeric), flower (Rose) and a vegetable (Spinach) for the quintessential yellow, pink and green.
- YELLOW: Mix turmeric powder in water and add it to a bowl full of cornflour.
- PINK: Boil the rose petals in water and soak them overnight, strain and add it to a bowl full of cornflour.
- GREEN: Blend spinach leaves, strain the juice and add it to the cornflour.
Once the natural pigments are added to the cornflour, beautiful lush pastes are created which need to be sun dried in plates. Once dried, scrape and blend to form organic Gulal.
Now you can present both your cheeks to get coloured with this beautiful pastel goodness that will also make you beautiful and have glowing skin after Holi, thanks to all the herbal ingredients! What's better is it's great for kids too!
While we are talking about colours, another great weekend activity with family which you can later flaunt at your Holi party is an easy DIY Shibori project
This Japanese art of dyeing textile can be done with just a few supplies right at your home. You would be surprised at how simple it is.
You Will Need:
- Holi wet colour powders (may not be a permanent dye but great for first time DIY)
- Easy to dye cotton cloth
- Ice Cream sticks &
- Rubber bands
shop Nestasia's table mats, coasters & napkin rings by clicking the link above
Steps:
- Cut the cloth into napkin squares
- Fold the napkin in alternating 1 inch folds (like a fan)
- Fold it in half from the middle
- Place ice cream sticks on both sides of the cloth
- Tie sticks with rubber bands
- Soak the cloth in water
- Dip in a solution of Holi colours
- Open after 20 minutes and hang to dry
- Iron on it to make the colour stronger
You have your vibrant colourful Shibori table napkins ready. These can be styled with napkin rings for a colourful Holi table setup.
3. FESTIVE TABLE STYLING
Once your beautiful tie dye napkins are ready, it is time to flaunt your creativity during the festivities when friends and family gather together.
click the image above to view Nestasia's table mats & runners
How about doing a lively table set up celebrating colours by teaming the napkins with colourful place mats just like Nestasia's beaded ones that come in a variety of colours, apt to enhance the look of your table setting.
With the table set, you’re ready to welcome your guests!
When they arrive, instead of serving them Thandai the traditional way, set up a Thandai Station where guests can create their own mix with the help of fresh syrups, purees and garnishes.
In no time, all guests would be whipping up their own concoction of the best Thandai of the night.
Tips:
- Keep basic Thandai in bottles for flavouring it further
- Also keep plain milk for kids and anyone who doesn't like spices
- Add a range of purees and syrups like honey, strawberry, mint etc.
- Keep nuts, spices, kesar and rose petals in bowls for garnish
- Add bucket of crushed ice and straws
Sure to be a hit with kids and makes for a great conversation starter!
Head over to our last blog for some Thandai recipes with a twist! Read how we created a Thandai Mojito, Berry Thandai and Kesar Roast Almond Thandai.
click the image above to view the plates & platters collection
Read our Holi Special Blog Part I on 5 Traditional Holi recipes with a twist. Recipes for all age groups and some cool new fusion techniques.
Check our recipes for Multi-Coloured Veggie Namkeen, Mexican Papri Chaat, Vitamin Bhel Salad and finally end with the fusion dessert of Gujia+Jalebi Cheesecake
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